Winter in New England

[phcpa]

I am planning a xmas trip to northern Maine. Is it possible to take my 25' classic trailer north from Florida at that time of the year without water or whatever freezing while on the road. When we arrive, we will just pull up to our cottage and move inside while keeping the camper hooked to power. We have never travelled with the triler to cold areas before so I sure could use a little help.

[fastrob]

Come on Down.
Actually, the expression refers to down wind north east, where the trade winds blew you.

We camped out in our Airstream while we waited for our home in December-January.
There are winterization steps to make sure pipes do not freeze but no big deal.
The snow 'usually' starts in January. But a happy camper is prepared.

R

I would think that as long as the trailer is in motion any water in the holding tanks wouldn't freeze but if temps do fall below freezing and it's left sitting, I would worry.

[ticki2]

It depends some what on what you consider northern Maine . Along the coast it stays warmer longer because of the ocean . In the western mountains winter could start in October . Some other things to consider , you could drain your fresh water system when you start to hit freezing temps and use bottled water and jugs . The holding tanks will take lower temps to freeze . Another thing to remember is that most campgrounds in NE close in mid-October , there are some that don't so plan ahead . Yet another consideration is the salt on the road and what that will do to your baby . Now if that isn't encouraging I don't know what is . You can winter camp , it just takes more prep . Good luck

[phcpa]

Of course for most of the trip north to Maine, we will not be going to far inland (95 north) and though we usually catch on to 81 through Scranton we will probably just stay on 95 to NY. OUr cottage is on the water in Corea Maine and does seem warmer with the exception of summer in the winter.

I did read somewhere that in the evening we should run our furnance as opposed to the heat pump as it warms the underbelly tanks. Has anyone heard about this or had experience using the furnace in the winter?

I notice that most campgrounds going north are closed in the winter so we will have to plan ahead. Does anyone know of campgrounds that are open in Dec./Jan north of Virginia on into New York, Massachusetts and lower Maine?

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by phcpa

I did read somewhere that in the evening we should run our furnance as opposed to the heat pump as it warms the underbelly tanks. Has anyone heard about this or had experience using the furnace in the winter?

while I'm not familiar with the late model camper's systems, that is generally the case; hot air from the furnace is ducted to the tanks to keep them from freezing. I don't know anything about a "heat pump", but I suspect that this is just part of the roof a/c system, which isn't ducted anywhere.

Originally Posted by phcpa

I notice that most campgrounds going north are closed in the winter so we will have to plan ahead. Does anyone know of campgrounds that are open in Dec./Jan north of Virginia on into New York, Massachusetts and lower Maine?

nope. but if you join the wally club, you can use "courtesy parking". Many members that have extra room at their houses offer free overnight parking for other wally-ites. Its all listed in the club's membership book.
of course, some forum members here offer it, too...but the wally club is yet another resource. If you make this sort of trip on a regular basis, this alone is worth the price of membership.

[bobchevy89]

Hello, On your trip home make sure you wash your trailer good to get the salt and other ice melting material off the trailer.the new ice melting stuff realy raises cain with any alum that has a scratch or coating missing.I wash mine with a car wash soap household detergent is harsh on the finish. I also have a lawn sprinkler on the end of a hose that run under the MH or trailer to wash out the salt also, salt does wonders on frames and brake systems.just go back and forth a few times over the sprinkler a few times does the trick. just check the clerance under the unit for which sprinkler will work..
bobchevy89

[LuminumTraila]

Originally Posted by phcpa

I notice that most campgrounds going north are closed in the winter so we will have to plan ahead. Does anyone know of campgrounds that are open in Dec./Jan north of Virginia on into New York, Massachusetts and lower Maine?

Yes, Normandy Farms in Foxboro, MA is a four-season campground. -J

[myboyburt]

Originally Posted by dougjamie

Yes, Normandy Farms in Foxboro, MA is a four-season campground. -J

And there's Danforth Bay Campground in Freedom NH which is open year round - site of the annual "Rig or Rent Rally" held by forum member "rgesch" in March of each year. Lots of NEU folks attend this fun winter rally too.